By Dennis Otim – 30^th Aug–5^th Sept

The abrupt departure of spy Chief Dr. Amos Makumbi from the Internal Security Organisation [ISO] had more to do with Security Minister Amama Mbabazi’s political future than anything else; Uganda Correspondent can reveal.

A source close to Uganda’s intelligence community who asked not to be identified told Uganda Correspondent that the unending jostling for influence within the NRM government by powerful men is the main reason for recent shakeup and conflicts within the intelligence community and other security services.

“…this is not an innocent re-organisation of an institution of state.  Mbabazi in particular is using his position to elevate those who are loyal to him into top positions within the security services.  Being close to Museveni has taught him that having strong loyalist within the security services is the best way to build and secure his own power base”.

Indeed, the source claimed, that it was for the same reason that a certain Sam Masolo, a top External Security Organisation [ESO] operative who was working as First Secretary at the Ugandan Embassy in Nairobi, got transferred to CMI headquarters in Kampala as Director of Finance.  Mr. Masolo, the source said, is known within intelligence circles to be a staunch Mbabazi loyalist.

Following the abrupt and openly controversial transfer of Dr. Amos Makumbi from ISO, Amama Mbabazi vowed to punish anyone found to be spreading propaganda that former ISO boss was forced out of office.  He said such propaganda was intended to create disharmony in the intelligence circles.

“I wish to categorically refute insinuations and allegations being peddled by some media houses that Dr Mukumbi attempted to resist relinquishing the leadership of ISO.  The individuals denigrating the image of the security organisation and senior government officials in the mass media, and motive behind it, shall soon be identified and appropriate action taken”, Mbabazi’s press release read in part.

Sections of the media had reported that Dr. Amos Mukumbi had refused to peacefully hand over office to the newly appointed ISO Chief Lt. Ronnie Balya.  If the allegations made by the source close to the intelligence community are accurate, then Mbabazi has indeed pulled off a great political masterstroke.

A great political masterstroke because the new ISO Chief Lt. Ronnie Balya, also known to be one of Mbabazi’s loyalist, has immediately reshuffled 100 ISO operatives!  Lt. Balya announced the changes in an August 20 memo to all ISO staff.  He reshuffled all 10 directors, three regional intelligence officers, and 34 district Internal Security Officers.

The majority of the entrants brought in by Balya, the source said, “…are young Lieutenants who see the security of their careers tied to Mbabazi’s inevitable ascendency to the presidency”.

In a statement, Lt. Balya however insisted that he had made the redeployments /transfers “…to strengthen the existing mechanisms in order to enhance focus on the strategic objectives of the organisation”. It is up to you our esteemed readers to decide who to believe.  Give us your views below.  Uganda Correspondent is your platform for liberal debate.  END.  If it’s Monday, it’s Uganda Correspondent.  Never miss out again.